“I think CVS and other big pharmacy chains are going to get more into the business of delivering primary health care services,” Caplan said.

That development will have mixed results, Caplan believes. On one hand, easier access to medical care could increase the likelihood that people will actually visit the doctor and reduce the number of unnecessary emergency room visits, he said.

“That’s okay, as long as everybody is qualified and so forth. That sounds like an easier way to get primary care for many people,” Caplan said.